From the Guidelines
Volara, a polyethylene foam product, is primarily used in wound care as a protective padding and cushioning material to reduce pressure on wounds and promote healing. When considering the use of Volara in wound care, it's essential to focus on its role in pressure redistribution and protection, rather than as a primary dressing that directly interacts with the wound bed. The properties of Volara, such as being lightweight, waterproof, and non-absorbent, make it an ideal material for creating custom padding to offload pressure points and protect bony prominences 1.
Key Characteristics of Volara
- Lightweight and easy to shape for custom fit
- Waterproof to prevent moisture penetration
- Non-absorbent to maintain a dry environment
- Closed-cell structure to prevent bacterial penetration and fluid absorption
Clinical Application
Volara is used as a secondary dressing, typically as an outer layer in conjunction with other wound care products. Its primary function is to redistribute pressure away from vulnerable tissue, preventing further damage and promoting a stable wound environment conducive to healing. While guidelines such as those from the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) discuss the selection of dressings based on exudate control, comfort, and cost 1, Volara's role is more specialized towards pressure management and protection.
Evidence and Recommendations
The use of materials like Volara in wound care is supported by the principle of selecting dressings that provide comfort and protection, as highlighted in guidelines 1. However, it's crucial to note that the specific recommendation for Volara or similar products may not be explicitly mentioned in all guidelines, given the broad range of wound care products available. The decision to use Volara should be based on the individual patient's needs, particularly those requiring pressure redistribution and protection of the wound site.
From the Research
Volara (Polyethylene Foam) in Wound Care
- Volara is a type of polyethylene foam dressing used in wound care, but there is limited information available on its specific uses and benefits in the provided studies.
- The studies primarily focus on other types of dressings, such as alginate, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, and foam dressings, and their effectiveness in treating various types of wounds, including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, one study mentions foam dressings, which may include polyethylene foam, and their use in treating venous leg ulcers 4.
- The study found that foam dressings were not more effective than other wound dressing treatments in healing venous leg ulcers, and the evidence in this area is of low quality 4.
- Another study compared the efficacies of different dressings, including foam dressings, in managing diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers, but did not specifically mention Volara or polyethylene foam 6.
- Overall, while Volara may be used in wound care, there is limited information available on its specific uses and benefits, and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in treating various types of wounds.